RecruitingNot Applicable

Optimizing Treatment for Depressed Parents of Children With Emotional and Behavioural Problems

Canada180 participantsStarted 2026-08

Plain-language summary

Standard Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is often less effective for parents experiencing depression. As such, the Addressing Depression and Positive Parenting Techniques (ADAPT) intervention is a novel BPT tailored to address the unique emotional and cognitive needs of depressed parents to improve treatment outcomes. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of ADAPT in reducing child emotional and behavioral difficulties compared to the gold-standard Incredible Years Parenting Program (IYPP). This study is a 4-year, individually-randomized group treatment (IRGT), parallel-group trial. We aim to recruit 180 caregivers and their children (aged 6-11 years) seeking treatment for their child's emotional and behavioral difficulties from multiple mental health centres across Toronto, including but not limited to the University of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and Women's College Hospital (WCH). Participants will be asked to complete research measures: * before randomization * post-treatment * 6 months after the end of treatment Participants will be randomized to either the experimental ADAPT intervention - A 10-session virtual program (1 individual, 9 group) focused on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and cognitive restructuring, or the control intervention: Incredible Years Parent Program (IYPP) - A 12-session gold-standard BPT delivered virtually.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. 18 years of age or above
. has a child aged 6-11 years with clinically elevated emotional and behavioural disorders (Abnormal Range, 93rd percentile) on the Total Difficulties Scale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
. parent shows clinical elevations for mild-moderate depression on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) (\>4 and \<15)
. capacity to tolerate a virtual group context assessed by clinical interview

Exclusion criteria

. Parent shows active suicidal ideation, substance use disorder, or psychosis
. they cannot communicate in English

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Changes in child emotional and behavioral difficulties

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-randomization), post-treatment (12-weeks post-randomization), and 6-month follow-up

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07749521

SponsorUniversity of Toronto

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2030-08

Contact for this trial

Brendan Andrade, PhD

416-946-5905 brendan.andrade@utoronto.ca

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Depression / Major Depressive Disorder trials